Fort Lauderdale Joins Baltimore, Albuquerque, Phoenix, New Orleans, Miami in the List of Dangerous US Cities for Pedestrians, This is Where Not to Take Your Family Vacation This Year

Home » America Travel News » Fort Lauderdale Joins Baltimore, Albuquerque, Phoenix, New Orleans, Miami in the List of Dangerous US Cities for Pedestrians, This is Where Not to Take Your Family Vacation This Year

Published on
October 25, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Fort Lauderdale has now joined the ranks of cities like Baltimore, Albuquerque, Phoenix, New Orleans, and Miami on the list of the most dangerous U.S. cities for pedestrians. This year, these cities have become notorious for pedestrian fatalities, making them destinations that should raise concerns for anyone planning to visit with their family. Fort Lauderdale, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant tourism, unfortunately, ranks as one of the top offenders in pedestrian crashes, recording a dangerously high rate of pedestrian fatalities.

Tourists flock to places like Baltimore, Albuquerque, Phoenix, New Orleans, and Miami every year, unaware of the growing risks to pedestrians in these areas. These cities, now marked by a surge in pedestrian accidents, pose serious safety threats. Whether it’s crossing busy streets or walking to attractions, tourists and locals alike are at risk.

In cities like Fort Lauderdale, where foot traffic is common due to the appeal of attractions, shopping districts, and hotels, the danger for pedestrians remains significant. Families planning their next vacation should think twice about visiting these high-risk destinations. The truth is, many of these cities have earned their spots on the list due to increasing annual pedestrian fatalities, making them unsafe for a carefree vacation. Travel And Tour World urges readers to be cautious and informed about the safety challenges posed by these cities. Read on to find out where not to take your family vacation this year.

Pedestrian fatalities are increasing in popular tourist destinations, and Florida cities are leading the charge. Fort Lauderdale, in particular, has earned the dubious title of the most dangerous city for pedestrians in the US. A recent analysis by Gammill Law reveals alarming statistics for pedestrian safety across various vacation hotspots. Florida stands out with four cities appearing in the top ten list, highlighting the urgent need for improved pedestrian infrastructure in these high-traffic areas. Tourists should be aware of these risks to stay safe while exploring.

RankCityStateCrashes Per 100K ResidentsTotal Crashes (2018-2023)Annual Growth Rate1Fort LauderdaleFlorida52.1096-1.8%2BaltimoreMaryland43.882488.9%3AlbuquerqueNew Mexico43.5524411.2%4Myrtle BeachSouth Carolina40.3116-15.9%5West Palm BeachFlorida37.064616.7%6PhoenixArizona35.575870.2%7St. LouisMissouri35.49100-8.8%8DetroitMichigan34.742201.4%9MiamiFlorida33.341526.6%10New OrleansLouisiana30.76112-4.2%

Fort Lauderdale: The Most Dangerous City for Pedestrians
Fort Lauderdale has topped the list as the most dangerous destination for pedestrians. The city recorded 96 pedestrian fatalities between 2018 and 2023, with a pedestrian fatal crash rate of 52.10 per 100,000 residents. This high rate is more than double the average of other U.S. tourist destinations. Despite a slight annual decrease in fatalities, the number of pedestrian crashes remains alarmingly high. Fort Lauderdale’s streets are a hub of pedestrian activity due to tourism, making it essential for both visitors and locals to remain vigilant. Authorities must act to improve safety and reduce these fatal accidents.

Other Florida Cities: Rising Pedestrian Risks
Florida continues to struggle with pedestrian safety, with West Palm Beach and Miami ranking among the top 10 most dangerous cities. West Palm Beach, in particular, saw a dramatic 16.7% increase in pedestrian fatalities, with a crash rate of 37.06 per 100,000 residents. Miami recorded 152 pedestrian deaths during the same period, with a rate of 33.34 per 100,000 residents. While both cities show concerning growth in fatality rates, they remain hotspots for tourism. The rising pedestrian risks call for stronger traffic measures and a commitment to pedestrian-friendly infrastructure in these popular tourist locations.

Providence, Rhode Island: A Silent Crisis in Growth
Providence, Rhode Island, although not among the top 10 for the highest crash rates, has witnessed the steepest rise in pedestrian fatalities. The city’s pedestrian fatality rate has surged by 41.4% annually. This sharp increase in pedestrian deaths over recent years signals an emerging crisis. Despite having fewer total fatalities than larger cities, the rapid growth in pedestrian accidents is a red flag. Local authorities must address this trend before it escalates further, and tourists should be aware of the risks when exploring Providence’s popular attractions.

US Tourist Cities Face Growing Pedestrian Dangers
In addition to Florida, other major tourist cities like Baltimore, Albuquerque, and Myrtle Beach are grappling with dangerous pedestrian conditions. Baltimore ranks second with 43.88 crashes per 100,000 residents, while Albuquerque follows closely with 43.55. Myrtle Beach, though a smaller city with a population of just under 40,000, ranks fourth with 40.31 crashes per 100,000 residents. These cities, popular for their attractions and large number of visitors, need to step up efforts to address pedestrian safety. Increased awareness and preventive measures are necessary to reduce the risk of fatalities in these high-traffic destinations.

Phoenix: The City with the Highest Pedestrian Death Toll
Phoenix, Arizona, leads the nation in total pedestrian fatalities, recording 587 deaths between 2018 and 2023. Despite having a relatively low growth rate of 0.2%, the sheer number of pedestrian fatalities makes Phoenix a significant concern for safety. The city’s wide streets, lack of adequate pedestrian infrastructure in some areas, and heavy reliance on automobiles all contribute to its high fatality count. Authorities must focus on creating safer pathways for pedestrians and reducing risks, especially for tourists walking through the city’s busy areas.

Pedestrian Safety Declines Nationwide
The overall trend across the 49 cities studied reveals that pedestrian fatalities are not improving. In fact, 31 cities showed an increase in fatalities, indicating that pedestrian safety is declining across the U.S. Cities like Fort Lauderdale, Phoenix, and West Palm Beach, where tourism plays a significant role, must address the issue with urgency. The growth in pedestrian fatalities reflects the pressing need for better pedestrian infrastructure, stronger law enforcement, and more public awareness campaigns in high-risk tourist areas. Without intervention, these cities will continue to be unsafe for pedestrians.

Safer Cities: Where Pedestrian Fatalities Are Lowest
While cities like Fort Lauderdale and Phoenix struggle, others have managed to keep pedestrian fatalities low. New York City, despite its enormous population, has one of the lowest pedestrian fatality rates, with only 5.85 crashes per 100,000 residents. Boston and Minneapolis follow closely with rates of 7.34 and 8.47, respectively. These cities have implemented strong public transportation systems and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, which are key factors in improving pedestrian safety. Other cities can learn from these examples and work towards reducing pedestrian deaths through similar initiatives.

How Tourists Can Stay Safe in High-Risk Areas
For tourists, staying safe in cities with high pedestrian fatality rates means taking precautions. Simple safety measures such as using crosswalks, staying alert while walking, avoiding distractions like smartphones, and wearing visible clothing at night can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Tourists should avoid walking in high-risk areas at night and should always be aware of their surroundings. Additionally, if possible, tourists should use public transportation or taxis to avoid walking in dangerous locations. Being cautious and prepared can make a big difference in pedestrian safety.

A Call for Action in High-Risk Cities
The growing number of pedestrian fatalities in U.S. tourist destinations requires immediate action. Florida, with its high number of dangerous cities, and other tourist-heavy locations need to prioritise pedestrian safety. This includes implementing stronger infrastructure, improving law enforcement, and raising awareness about pedestrian risks. Tourists must stay alert and adopt safety measures to protect themselves, but local governments must also make lasting changes to ensure these areas become safer for everyone. Pedestrian safety should no longer be ignored in these high-traffic destinations.

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